RECAP

• Letters to the 7 churches in Revelation
• Past, Present, Prophetic - we can learn from this
• Opening week: “The Voice” - WHO is doing the talking
• Two points:
• Jesus is among His church. (within the lamp stands, his location matters (1:3)
• Jesus knows about His church (8x “I know”) {encouragements as well as conviction}
• The message to the church in Ephesus: (+ the good & the bad)
• Abandoned their first love (Jesus)
• Remember: how far you have fallen
• Repent: turn to God & His ways
• Return: Go back to what you did at first & should be doing

(or else He will remove the lamp stand)

THE LETTER TO THE CHURCH IN SMYRNA

• Ephesus introduction: “The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lamp-stands.” 
• I am with and amongst you… I did not abandon you…
• The introduction: “The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.”
• This is important for their message, because it’s a lot different than Ephesus… let’s find out
• I KNOW: your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich…), and the slander/ridicule of others
• THE GOOD: (first glance - is there any good? lol)
• THE BAD: it’s coming
• THE MESSAGE: do not fear & stay faithful unto death
• That means the good is… tribulation? Poverty?
• God’s economy is not like our own.
• Matthew 6:19-24(treasures in heaven, we can’t serve two masters)
• Romans 5:1-5 (perseverance produces…)
• Psalm 56
• Daniel 3:1-30 [highlight 3:16-18] (won’t bow down)
• Foxes book it’s coming